Category: Deer Hunting

Show Notes:

Deer hunting is easy to do but can take a lifetime to master. The first thing you need to do is get into the woods and get some experience. The second thing is to begin working on these four tips every time you go into the woods. On this episode we will be focusing on critical deer hunting tactics, things you can start using tomorrow and can continue to refine every season.

Take Aways:

• Always Be Ready. If it’s legal hunting ours and you are in a safe hunting area, you should always be ready to take a shot a moment’s notice. Keep your gun handy, and practice taking a quick offhand shot while hiking. You best opportunity of the day could come while walking to your spot. Don’t miss it.
• The Wind Is Your Friend. Wind creates noise and movement which can help cover you when you need to move or make some extra sound. If you can wait for wind before doing something, you can lessen he chances of being detected. 
• You Cannot Be Too Stealthy. The old adage is there is nothing nosier than a hunter trying to be quiet. Stealth cannot be over stated, both while moving and sitting. Camouflage is only a small component, eliminating movement and sound are arguably much more important. 
• Pretend You Are Always Being Watched. Chances are, it’s true. If you hunt as if every moment you are trying to make an animal that has spotted you forget you are there, then you are well on your way to developing a very useful and effective skill. 

Show Notes:

Hunting in the rain is not something to be avoided, it can be a great time to hunt. But you need to adjust your plans if there is significant rain in the forecast in order to be effective and comfortable.  In this episode I talk about a recent cold rainy hunt that was successful, and how you can plan to hunt effectively in the rain.

Take Aways:

• People often ask the questions “Are deer active in the rain? Do they still move around?” The answer to both is yes, very much. In all but torrential rain, deer continue to move, eat, and socialize. The rain does not seem to bother them at all. In fact because there is less light and its easier to move without making noise, deer may be more active on rainy days, throughout the day, and they may be less on guard.
• The biggest benefit to hunting in the rain is very fewer other hunters will be out. You can have a lot more privacy and better chance at taking a deer. Normally I see half a dozen hunters on opening day where I plan to hunt, sometimes I can see them from my tree stand. This year it rained a lot and I did not see a single other hunter. I did see a lot of deer and I took one home.
• If you are hunting in the rain, especially the cold rain, you must stay dry. This can be accomplished with a rain suit, umbrella, ground blind, or similar approach.  Be sure to wear extra layers so you can stay warm if you get wet from the rain or sweat.
• Do not hunt with an umbrella in hand. You can use an umbrella to make it through downpours, but you cannot hunt while you are holding one. Umbrellas are easy to see and amplify your movement. And you cannot hold one and fire a rifle or a bow at the same time. You risk giving yourself away or dropping something.
• They make umbrellas that attach to trees which can work while tree hunting but do not use those for ground hunting, deer will more easily spot them while on the ground.
• A ground blind may be the best way to hunt in significant rain, it is basically a camo tent.  Consider setting one up before the season starts so you have a comfortable way to hunt if the weather is bad.
• No matter how you choose to hunt, always have a backup plan for rain. Know what you will do if a lot of rain is in the forecast so you can make use of this great hunting opportunity.

Show Notes:

When it comes to managing scent for deer hunting, you are talking about a massive field of study and an entire industry. But if you follow a few basic principles, you can significantly improve your chances of being successful in the deer woods without spending any extra money or getting another college degree.  In this episode we cover the 3 basic principles for scent control when it comes to beginners and regular deer hunting.

Take Aways:

• Scent Trails: When you walk through the woods, you leave an invisible trail of scent. You will greatly increase your chances of getting a deer if you pretend that every place you walk is a place that no deer will touch for the rest of the season.
• Wind Management:  The wind is your friend or your enemy, if you can just keep it from being your enemy then that is good enough.  The big thing is making sure the wind is not blowing by you into the area you are hunting.  If the wind blows sent behind you or beside you, you still have a chance, if it is blowing it right into your shooting lane then you need to change spots or at least angles.
• Extra Scent: Most deer are used to regular people scent, just make sure you aren’t bringing extra scent with you. Don’t leave your hunting clothes in the kitchen before frying food or in the garage before staining wood.  If you can just keep from bringing extra scent into the woods, it will go a long way.
• There Are Always Exceptions: These principles are “rules of thumb” they are true 80% of the time, but there are always exceptions. Wild animals don’t play by anyone’s rules but their own. Sometimes scent won’t bother them at all, and sometimes you could wear a pressurized space suite and they will still smell you and snort, stomp, and run. Get into the woods and get your own experience so you can learn what works for yourself.

Show Notes:

The best way to hunt is going to depend on your experience, preferences, local terrain, weather, budget, and the properties you have permission to hunt on. The three strategies that we talk about in this episode are the most likely methods that new hunters will use to successfully hunt whitetail deer. The one that is best for you will depend on your situation. 

Take Aways:

• Tree hunting gives you the best chances for success most of the time, but you need to know your spot really well, have the budget and energy to get set up well in advance of the hunting season, and pick a limited area to hunt.
• Ground hunting with a good cushion is the most versatile and cost effective way to hunt. It requires the least preparation and you can move spots as easily as you can stand up. It does however put you right in the middle of a deer’s sense of sight, smell, and sound as you are in the same place as their predators.
• Ground hunting with a blind gives some concealment but limits you to a specific area, and adds additional cost. It can be a good option if you need to hunt areas without good trees to climb or lean against.
• Still hunting, or walking and hunting is an advanced technique, but it is possible to have some success if you play the weather and terrain just right.
• The best thing you can do is get into the woods and hunt. Experience will inform you about where to invest your time and resources. Don’t spend too much your first year, focus on getting experience so you can make informed decisions next time around.

Gear Mentioned In The Episode:

• Ground Cushion
• Turkey Ground Chair
• Beginner Ground Blind
• Ladder Stand Samples

Show Notes:

Before you step foot into the deer woods you need to have a plan for what you are going to do if you are successful. Most newer hunters are not ready to process or butcher their own deer. Learning to hunt, getting equipped, scouting, and field dressing absorbs all of their focus. I recommend you save processing a deer for a future hunting season, if you are interested in trying it. 

Finding a good deer processor is key and will relieve a lot of anxiety when it’s time to hunt because you will have a solid plan. This episode will help you learn everything you need to know about finding and vetting a good deer processor and what you need to do before and after.

Take Aways:

• Get your deer to a processor as quickly as possible. Field dress it within minutes of the kill and then go straight to the processor to minimize chance of spoiling.
• If you are able, wash out the animal and pack it with some ice. Nothing else is needed after you field dress it, and even these steps are optional.
• Make 100% sure the processor you find will give you back the meat from the deer you brought in, not just meat from the last deer butchered. 
• Ask the processor for a nice variety of meat items back, even if it costs a little more. Get steaks, roasts, ground, sausages, sticks, jerky, and any other options they have. It may cost a little more but it will help you learn what you like and you will enjoy the animal to it’s fullest.
• Expect to only get back meat that is 60-70% of the weight of the deer after it is field dressed, if everything on the animal is perfect. There are many things that could result in you getting back less meat, and some things that could help you get a little more. 

Show Notes:

When it comes to deer hunting, it is best to think about what to do when you succeed before you ever step foot into the woods.  Feeling prepared and comfortable enough to field dress a deer is very important to the overall experience. It will give you confidence and help you focus on the hunt.  In truth, gutting a deer takes about 5-10 minutes. It is a fast, simple process that anyone can learn to do. In this week’s episode we talk about how to get ready, what you need to be prepared, and how to get over feeling squeamish about it.

Take Aways:

• You always want to shoot a deer in the front lower quarter where the vitals are.
• Never ever ever take a shot a deer’s back half, it will make field dressing most unpleasant.
• Always have some rubber or plastic gloves on hand, you can get good Game Cleaning Gloves or around $5, maybe cheaper.
• Keep a sharp knife in your pack at all times.
• There is no best way to do this. Watch lots of videos and pick the techniques that you are most comfortable with.
• Watch videos until you feel comfortable and can tell the difference between how different people do it. When you can do that and say which way you like more, you are ready.
• Whether you are very meticulous or do a complete hack job, if you don’t puncture the guts, and you keep things clean, it does not matter much. This is easy.

More Deer Hunting Episodes

• The Knives and Tools Needed To Field Dress Deer
• Starting Equipment For Deer Hunting
• Beginners Firearms For Deer Hunting
• The Worst Rifle For Deer Hunting
• Where To Take A Deer For Processing – Everything You Need To Know
• Getting A Deer Mounted 101 | 4 Things To Plan For
• Top 10 Deer Hunting Bad Habits
• The Secret Deer Hunting Weapon That Is Changing Lives

Here are a number of videos to help you understand and become comfortable with the process:

Show Notes:

When it comes to deer hunting there is no perfect gun. There are just too many variables such as your size, style, preferences, hunting area, local hunting laws, budget, etc. But there are some basic principles and recommendations that can help you select the right firearm to get started. In this episode I give guidelines that can help you find the right gun, as well as a few sample recommendations.

The most important thing to keep in mind is once you get some experience, you will develop preferences and opinions about what your ideal firearm for deal hunting is. So do NOT spend a ton of money on your first gun, get something that will do the job and enable you to get some experience, then you will know what you like and you can make an informed decision.

Take Aways:

• Go with a used or very inexpensive firearm to start. Next year you can probably sell it for close to what you paid and put that towards getting your ideal gun.
• Get something that has good ammo availability and reasonable pricing in your area.
• Make sure your gun is light enough to carry through the woods for a day.
• Once you find a potential gun, pull out your phone and do some research on that model while you are still in the store to see if you can identify its strengths, weaknesses, reliability, accuracy, and any safety recalls.
• Make sure you test the trigger before you buy.  It is very important that you are satisfied with the trigger, nothing impacts accuracy more.
• I recommend getting a .308 rifle, a .30-30 rifle, or a 12 gauge shotgun to start with. A partial list of other good rifle calibers include the .30-06, .270, 7.62 x 54r, or the .243 if you are recoil sensitive.
• The .223 can be used for deer hunting, but it requires a more precise shot at closer range, so I do not recommend it for new deer hunters unless you already have one, are a smaller individual, or have an injury that makes recoil a concern.
• If you want a new firearm, look for seasonal sales and manufacturers rebates.
• Be sure to listen to Episode 6, The Worst Rifle For Deer Hunting.

Sample firearms mentioned in the episode:

• Savage Arms Model 11 Rifle in 308 WIN
• Winchester Model 94 Lever Action Rift In 30-30
• Mossberg 500 Pump Action 12 Gauge Shotgun

Show Notes:

You can get started hunting deer with very little equipment and spending very little money.  The biggest thing to account for is the weather, colder weather will mean more total gear is needed to stay out for long periods of time. There is a big misconception that you need all professional camo gear to hunt with. That just isn’t true.

What you need is gear that is warm enough, offers some concealment, and will enable you to start hunting so you can get some experience and see what kinds of gear you want to invest in down the road. On this episode we talk about the bare essentials, and give some modest recommendations for cost saving entry level items.

The below specific gear recommendations are items that I feel are worth investing in right off the bat. For instance, you don’t need to spend $500 on a top of the line blaze orange coat, you can get whatever warm neutral colored coat you already have or can get at a thrift store and then toss a nice $30 blaze orange camo vest on top of it and you are in good shape.  You can also get by with cheap or existing boots if you have good socks and some warmers to add to them, and if you can stay dry.

Specific Gear Recommendations Mentioned On The Show

• Orange Camo Hat
• Orange Camo Vest
• SmartWool Extra Heavy Socks
• Heat Factory Assorted Warmers
• Camo Glacier Gloves
• Game Cleaning Gloves
• Deer Drag System

General Gear Items To Remember

• Warm Bootsashlight
• Camo, Black, or Neutral Pants
• Camo, Black, or Neutral Coat
• Sharp Knife
• Water and Snacks
• Pen and String
• Umbrella or rain gear
• Ziploc Bags, Garbage Bag, Paper Towels
• First Aid Kit, Including safety whistle and compass
• Camo, Black, or Neutral Color Backpack

Don’t forget that deer do not see reds, oranges, and browns well or as threatening. Blue’s, violets, yellows and whites can stand out like bright glowing indicators. Never wear blue jeans, never wear white, and avoid anything that shows any of those colors whenever possible.

Staying in the shade, keeping still, and being quiet will do more for you than any fancy high priced gear.  Yes, quality gear can help you, but 100 years ago people were still enjoying white tailed deer hunts without the big ticket brands we have today. No matter what your budget is, you can have fun and be successful.

Show Notes:

Finding a good place to hunt deer may be the single most important thing you can do to be successful, second only to being stealthy.  For new hunters I recommend pursuing doe instead of bucks. The tactics are simpler, the chances of success are higher, and it is just an easier entry point. If you can take a buck, then great, but I would save that pursuit until after you get your feet wet if you are able.  In much of the country you can get a doe tag, and often doe season is less crowded, so the hunting is easier too.

Here are four approaches to scouting you can use to help you find a good place to get started.

Water – Find streams, lakes, pools, springs, or puddles that deer can drink from. Then walk those areas looking for sign, mainly footprints and droppings. When you find some density of deer tracks, you have identified a travel route or congregation point. That can give you clues about where to setup and start looking for vantage points.

Food – Deer like to graze in fields, on bushes, under oak trees, as well as under apple and other fruit and nut trees as well. Find areas that have food and search around them for sign.

Trails – If you are hiking and exploring an area you are likely to follow the paths of least resistance through the terrain, especially if it’s thick. Deer do the same thing. So as you are walking, regularly look down and you may be surprised how often you find yourself walking in the same place deer do.

Vantage Points – If you have limited options when it comes to hunting areas, you may have to start by looking for the best vantage points of where you could sit and safely take aim. If this is the case, then find the best vantage points available to you, and scout out your shooting lanes looking for sign. Then pick the best vantage point as your spot.

Show Notes:

Deer hunting is a great place to start, they are one of the most hunted game animals in North America and for good reason. This episode is the first of a series dedicated to helping you get started or get better at hunting deer. Specifically we look at the reasons you might pursue deer hunting.

Here are four reasons why you might hunt deer:

An Iconic Game AnimalIn the United States there are few hunting pursuits more widespread and historically celebrated as deer hunting. It is an American past time, even children who do not hunt and are in non-hunting families are often intrigued by majestic white tails.  They are beautiful animals and a joy to hunt.

Good Sport – Deer are challenging and rewarding quarry, they are smart, instinctive, and cautious animals, designed to outsmart predators.  They can be a lot of fun to go after. And there are different levels. Taking a doe may be the easiest. Taking a buck can require more skill and strategy. Taking a mature or even a trophy level animal can be an advanced pursuit that even hunting masters do not tire of.

Culinary Delights – Deer are delicious, plain and simple. I have had venison that rivals the best filet mignon I’ve ever had. I’ve also had lousy deer meat. What you do as a hunter and a chef can greatly improve quality of the meat and the final product. If your first experience with venison isn’t great, don’t give up, it can be some of the best meat you’ve ever had.

They Are Around – Just being real, you can only hunt what lives in your hunting area. Deer cover the continent. Hunting skills you develop in your area can easily translate to deer hunts a thousand miles away. They can also translate into skills that are valuable for bigger game like elk and even moose.

As I mentioned in the show, Paul Harrell has an awesome YouTube channel with some great tips for deer hunting, hunting in general, and smart practical firearms use. Check it out here.